Preliminary reports indicate that between October 20 and 25, fighters from the RSF paramilitary force carried out major attacks across the eastern regions of the canton of Al Jazirah (also spelled Gezira), indiscriminately shooting at civilians and committing sexual violence against women and girls.
“I am deeply shocked and appalled that Human rights violations such as those witnessed in Darfur last year – such as rape, targeted attacks, sexual violence and mass killings – are being repeated in Al Jazirah state. These are brutal crimes,” Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, said in a press conference. declare on Saturday.
“Women, children and the most vulnerable are suffering from a conflict that has claimed too many lives.”
RSF fighters were also reported to have looted markets and homes, and burned farms.
Residents of villages such as Safita Ghanotab, Al Hilaliya and Al Aziba were reportedly assaulted, humiliated and threatened, forcing many to flee for safety. Those remaining continue to face serious threats.
Denouncing the attacks, Ms. Nkweta-Salami emphasized that civilians must be protected wherever they are.
“Attacks against civilians, civilian objects and public infrastructure are prohibited under International Humanitarian Law. This is unacceptable and must stop immediately.”
Verification and support efforts
Humanitarian partners are gathering more information, including verifying the death toll, and mobilizing to support those displaced by the violence.
Reports suggest that many of those fleeing have sought shelter in Gedaref (also spelled Al Qadarif) and Kassala states, which have hosted hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs). .
Sudan was embroiled in a brutal power struggle between rival military factions – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF – since April 2023. The war has relocate more than 11 million people, including 2.9 million people flee to neighboring countries.
The crisis is getting worse
The conflict also caused serious humanitarian crisiswith nearly 25 million people in need of assistance.
Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, with 13 million people facing severe food insecurity. famine situation confirmed in Zamzam camp in North Darfur.
Of particular concern are the 3.7 million children under 5 years of age who suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Without immediate medical intervention, they face a much higher risk of death from preventable diseases.
Complain about access rights
in one general statement from Port Sudan on Friday, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner Raouf Mazou and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban called on Sudanese authorities to facilitate safe and unhindered access to communities in need.
“In reality, there are still many logistical and administrative barriers. These access limitations are hindering the United Nations’ ability to deliver life-saving supplies and protection to the most vulnerable communities.and effectively monitor aid delivery to ensure it reaches its intended recipients,” they said.
They also called for the re-establishment of UN offices at Zalingei in Central Darfur and Kadugli in South Kordofan, and streamlining cross-border and cross-border aid approvals.
Despite these challenges, UNHCR and UNICEF reiterate their commitment to providing life-saving assistance and call on the international community to support a political solution to the conflict and remove bureaucratic and security obstacles.
“The people of Sudan need our collective action now. Mr. Mazou and Mr. Chaiban emphasized: We must respond with the urgency and scale that this crisis requires.
